Mediterranean pellitory-of-the-wall (Parietaria lusitanica, Sp. Pl.: 1052 (1753))

Family: Urticaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 1052 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Parietaria

Vegetable: False

Observations: Medit. to Pakistan and Arabian Pen.

Description

Mediterranean pellitory-of-the-wall, scientifically known as Parietaria lusitanica, is a noteworthy species that traces its origins back to some of the most historically rich and biodiverse regions on Earth. This plant belongs to the Urticaceae family, a group known for its diverse array of species, many of which possess fascinating adaptive traits and ecological importance.

The geographical distribution of Mediterranean pellitory-of-the-wall spans from the Mediterranean region extending eastward to Pakistan and the Arabian Peninsula. Its presence in these areas highlights the plant’s adaptability to a range of climate conditions, from the more temperate and maritime influences of the Mediterranean to the more arid and continental climates found further inland and towards the peninsula. This broad habitat range demonstrates the resilience and ecological plasticity of Parietaria lusitanica.

This species was first described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753 in his seminal work “Species Plantarum,” where it was catalogued under the entry number 1052. Linnaeus’s classification system revolutionized the botanical sciences, and Mediterranean pellitory-of-the-wall has since been studied for its unique characteristics.

Mediterranean pellitory-of-the-wall is typically found growing on walls, old masonry, and rocky outcrops. These plants are often seen clinging to craggy surfaces where they form part of the niche flora that thrives in crevices and undisturbed locations. This preference for vertical and rugged habitats has earned it the name “pellitory-of-the-wall,” aptly describing its common locations.

The ecological role of Parietaria lusitanica is significant due to its ability to colonize and stabilize marginal landscapes, preventing erosion and providing habitats for various microfauna. It is worth noting that while beneficial in many natural settings, its vigorous growth habit can sometimes make it a nuisance in managed gardens or historical sites, where it can be seen as invasive.

Understanding the distribution and characteristics of Mediterranean pellitory-of-the-wall allows botanists and ecologists to appreciate both its positive and challenging aspects within its natural and introduced environments. This knowledge contributes to a broader appreciation of plant biodiversity and the dynamic nature of species adaptation and dispersal.

In conclusion, Mediterranean pellitory-of-the-wall, with its scientific roots defined by Linnaeus and its broad geographical presence from the Mediterranean to Pakistan and the Arabian Peninsula, represents a fascinating study of plant resilience and ecological integration within the Urticaceae family.

Common Names

Nld: portugees glaskruid
En: Mediterranean Pellitory-of-the-wall
Bg: Лузитанска разваленка
Ca: Morella lusitànica
Nl: Portugees glaskruid
Fr: Pariétaire du Portugal
He: כתלית פורטוגלית
It: Vetriola lusitanica
Fa: گوش موش پرتقالی
Uk: Настінниця однорічна
: Mediterranean pellitory-of-the-wall

Synonyms

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Gulf States (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• St.Helena (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken May 19, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Jean MAURE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 1994 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Feb 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 19, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 17, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Jean MAURE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Jean MAURE (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 6, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Mar 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• WFO (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7671972)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:854943-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Parietaria lusitanica L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 6

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Soil nutriments: 8